An idiom meaning to feel sad, depressed, or dejected, often used to describe a temporary state of low spirits.
Dating from the early 18th century, 'dumps' originally meant a melancholy tune or mournful song. The word may come from Dutch 'domp' meaning 'haze' or 'mist,' suggesting the foggy, unclear thinking that accompanies sadness.
The 'dumps' were originally sad songs, not garbage heaps! This explains why we feel 'down in the dumps' rather than 'down in the garbage' - we're metaphorically trapped in a melancholy melody. The connection between music and mood is so deep that our language treats sadness as a song we can't escape.
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